Results for laparoscopic hysterectomy similar: complication rates are about the same whether procedure is for benign or cancerous conditions.(Gynecology)

SAN DIEGO -- The rate of surgical complications with laparoscopic hysterectomy is similar whether the procedure is performed for benign or cancerous conditions, Ali Mahdavi, M.D., said at an international congress of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy in 74 women with gynecologic cancers required more surgical time and longer hospitalization, compared with laparoscopic hysterectomy in 85 women with benign gynecologic conditions, a retrospective review of consecutive cases found.

There were no significant differences between groups, however, in estimated blood loss, rate of procedures converted to laparotomy, and intraoperative bowel or bladder injuries, said Dr. Mahdavi, a gynecologic oncologist at the University of California, Irvine.

"Laparoscopic procedures for gynecologic cancers are complicated and technically demanding procedures," but appear to be safe when done by experienced surgeons, Dr. Mahdavi said. "Operators who decide to proceed with laparoscopic hysterectomy for gynecologic cancers should not only be trained gynecologic oncologists, but should [also] have extensive operative laparoscopy skills."

The study won first prize among scientific papers on gynecology presented at the meeting.

All hysterectomies were performed by the same group of surgeons, assisted by residents and fellows, using standard techniques and the same preoperative care for all patients. The study analyzed data from patient admission up to 30 days following discharge after surgery.

Women in the cancer group were older than the women with benign conditions (a mean age of 57 and 51 years, respectively) and had a larger mean body mass index (28 vs. 24 kg/[m.sup.2]).